Senator Tarr’s Statement on Campaign Finance and Disclosure Task Force Report

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) issued the following statement yesterday, following the release of a report and recommendations by the Campaign Finance and Disclosure Task Force:

“The Campaign Finance and Disclosure Task Force undertook an important task in examining some critical elements of campaigning in our state.  Unfortunately, the task force missed prime opportunities to seek fairness for contribution limits for organizations, and greater transparency regarding donors.  While these opportunities have been lost in the report of the task force, we will continue to bring the priorities they represent to the legislative process.”

 

The Campaign Finance and Disclosure Task Force Report 12.23.2014

Senator Tarr’s Statement on a Federal Appeals Court Denial of Convicted Killer’s Sex-Change Operation

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) released the following statement today regarding the ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit denying a tax-payer funded sex-change operation for convicted wife killer Michelle Kosilek. Senator Tarr and the Senate Republican Caucus have previously filed legislation preventing such surgeries, and will file new legislation for the upcoming legislative session:

“The Federal Court of Appeals decision to deny convicted killer Michelle Kosilek gender reassignment surgery is an affirmation of fairness and justice. Allowing someone who has committed first degree murder to receive extraordinary surgery at best lacks commonsense, and at worst offends the interests of justice.

The Department of Corrections (DOC) has remained steadfast in its belief that the state should not be required to provide such surgery, and I commend the department for continuing to fight against this outrageous request. Had the unprecedented ruling by Judge Wolf been upheld to allow Michelle Kosilek’s surgery, not only the Commonwealth, but the country would have ventured down a dangerous path resulting in serious ramifications not yet identified.”

A copy of the current legislation filed by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr and the Senate Republican Caucus can be found here. The bill will be re-filed in January 2015.

Happy Chanukah!

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr released the following statement to mark the beginning of Chanukah at sundown tonight:

“May the lights of Chanukah usher in a better world for all humankind.” ~Author Unknown

To all of my Jewish friends and constituents, I wish you all a happy Chanukah celebration, and may you all enjoy eight days of peace, happiness, and joy with your loved ones.

Also, this afternoon I will be joining with Rabbi Liberman and many state officials, including Governor Patrick, Speaker DeLeo, and Senate President Murray in the lighting of the State House Menorah in recognition of Chanukah. Today’s lighting of the Menorah is open to the public and will take place in Nurses Hall on the 2nd floor of the State House beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Annual North Shore Toy Drive is Tomorrow

 

Tomorrow starting at 6:00 a.m., Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr will join with North Shore 104.9 in their annual North Shore Toy Drive.  The station will be broadcasting live from 9 different locations throughout the day in an effort to collect as many toys as possible for area charities to go to local children.

This exciting event brings together community officials, local talent, school systems, and even Santa and Mrs. Claus, all in the spirit of giving.  All the broadcasts are open to the public, and organizers would love to see as many new faces as possible this year.

The final broadcast, which is the Cape Ann Savings Bank on Main Street in Gloucester, will even feature special guests for children!  Come for the food, for the entertainment, or to take pictures with Santa Claus, but most importantly please come to drop off a toy or gift card.  Through all of our hard work, we can truly make a child’s Christmas a special one.

To view all of the live broadcast locations, please click the picture above.  To read a recent press release that Senator Tarr distributed earlier this month, please click here.